The FDA(WASHINGTON) -- Many young Americans believe that e-cigarettes could help with smoking cessation and are less harmful and addictive than cigarettes -- despite a lack of scientific evidence to support these views, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health.

Researchers analyzed survey data collected between 2010-2011 from 2,624 U.S. Midwestern adults aged 20-28. These surveys assessed participants’ awareness and views of e-cigarettes. Their results showed that 69.9 percent of participants were aware of e-cigarettes, and among these participants aware of e-cigarettes, 44.5 percent agreed that e-cigarettes could assist with quitting smoking, 52.9 percent agreed that e-cigarettes are less harmful and 26.4 percent agreed that they are less addictive than cigarettes.

Given that the risks associated with e-cigarettes use are still largely unknown, the authors support health communication interventions to let the public know that evidence to support the benefits of e-cigarettes is lacking.

An e-cigarette is a battery-operated device that looks like a real cigarette and contains nicotine.